At a gun show today I saw a Mauser 98 that looked like it had been "sporterized" in the late 60's. It was a typical 98 conversion to a sporthing rifle; new barrel, probably a Fajen stock blank, etc.

What was different on the rifle was the type of safety that had been installed on the rifle. The military "swing" safety had been removed and in it's place was a smaller lever that you grasped and rotated 180-degrees. It said "fire" on the top when it was in that position.

Does anybody know what the story is on these safeties?

Matt,

Your post looked so lonely, with no replies.

I was hoping someone else would think of it. I have read about what you describe, and I'll be darned if I can remember whose it was. Niedner, perhaps? I'm pretty sure the source of this info was "Gunsmithing" by Dunlop. If I can find it again, I'll try e-mailing you.

Todd

Matt, the original Mauser safety does move 180 degrees and goes from left to right across the axis of the bore. Often you see "fire" engraved on the lever on that side. There are 2 positon safeties that swing like a winchester that are often installed on them as well as 3 position. Those swing on the right hand side. The other is a Beuler (sp?) and it mounts on the right and only moves about 60 degrees

Chic Worthing

Matt,

Sounds like you might be talking about a Springfield '03-A3. It's safety is marked, while the mausers are not. There's one on the cover of Peterson's Rifleman mag. this month if you subscribe to that one.